[A project to improve nasal ice packs].

Nasal problems are a commonly encountered diseases in the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialty. People with nasal problems usually seek medical therapy. When the problem cannot resolved by medical therapy then surgery becomes an option. According to statistics of the ENT unit where author served in 2006, 255 patients underwent nasal surgery. Swelling and pain are the most common discomfort symptoms for patients after nasal surgery. After data collection, it was found that only 16.7% of patients were willing to use ice packs, because they attached poorly (100%), were difficult to secure (100%), and were inconvenient to use (83.3%). After seeking an alternative ice pack replacement, the group decided to use a latex glove filled with 50 gm crushed ice and water in its index and middle fingers, tied with shoe laces and tied to the ears. The project involved three periods: preparation, execution, and evaluation. The results showed that 96.7% of patients were willing to use the new ice pack. The satisfaction rate for use of the new ice pack was 96.7%. The results of this project might improve patients' quality of care, as well as cost reduction.